Data 101

Seismic waves – or sound waves – are used to record seismic data. Simply put, an acoustical energy wave radiates from an energy source at or near the surface of the Earth to the subsurface. These seismic waves reflect off various geological beds or strata in the Earth’s subsurface. Sophisticated sensors and instruments at the surface record the reflected waves and convert them to digital form. The data is then processed, and an image of the subsurface formations is created. Seismic data is used in combination with other forms of data and information to create a detailed map of the Earth’s subsurface at various depths. There are two types of seismic data – 2D and 3D.

Seismic data provides energy exploration and development companies with information about the potential of a particular area. 2D data is typically used to get a sense of the regional geology of an area they think is prospective for oil and natural gas. 3D data supports precise placement of oil and natural gas wells and is particularly important for horizontal drilling, unconventional plays – such as shale gas and tight sands – and complex conventional drilling.

Once an industry with a large environmental bearing, today’s seismic operations use small, low-impact equipment, which has significantly reduced the environmental footprint.

Pulse has not collected seismic data through field acquisition since 2015. Instead, we have more than doubled the size of our data library through the acquisition of existing, high-quality data sets – providing our clients with the information they need for their exploration projects while reducing the environmental impact of new survey operations.